(TORONTO, ON ? September 6, 2012) Plug in to Canada's most popular, most proven family of hybrids with the newest Prius that offers extended all-electric range: The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Available through Toyota dealerships across Canada at a suggested starting price of just $35,700 the Prius Plug-in offers the lowest starting MSRP of any plug-in hybrid in Canada.  What's more, every Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers an impressive suite of standard equipment from comfort, convenience and safety features, to advanced and intuitive technologies that are sure to delight any driver looking for a midsize passenger car.  Add to that applicable government incentives in certain provinces of up to $5,092, and the Prius plug-in delivers confidence and value that is second to none.

"Canadians continue to embrace Toyota hybrids in record numbers, confident that Toyota's experience ? dating back to the sale of the first Prius in 2000 ? has created the world's most versatile and innovative lineup of low emissions, high efficiency, advanced technology vehicles," said Tony Wearing, Senior Managing Director at Toyota Canada Inc. "Now, we welcome our first plug-in vehicle ? and sixth hybrid ? to the Toyota brand. The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid not only offers the lowest starting MSRP of any plug-in hybrid in Canada, it delivers plenty of room for people and cargo, the fastest recharging time of any plug-in vehicle on the market today, impressive fuel efficiency and electric-only range, plus the confidence of Toyota's proven full-hybrid system that can take Canadians wherever they want to go."

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid inspires confidence like no other plug-in. That's because the Prius Plug-in and its third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive technology ? already proven in more than four million vehicles around the globe ? was extensively tested in Canada, undergoing more than two years of real-world field trials as part of a global testing program. Feedback from these trials helped Toyota engineers optimize the Prius Plug-in's driving and ownership experience.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid features room for five adults and up to 446 litres of luggage space. With a powerful but lightweight lithium-ion battery pack, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is ready to go with a full charge in as little as 90 minutes when connected to a 220v dedicated socket or 3 hours when connected to a 110v dedicated 15 amp socket ? and automatically switches to its full hybrid gasoline-electric system once the electric power is depleted so there's never any worry about arriving at your destination.

Getting there was never so affordable, either, thanks to impressive efficiency of just 2.0 L_e / 100 KM^? (city/highway combined) when taking advantage of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid's Electric Vehicle (EV) capabilities. And the Prius Plug-in Hybrid's Electric Vehicle range ? up to 25 KM in city driving ? means typical Canadian commuter ranges can be made without using a drop of gas.  The Prius Plug-in is also capable of driving on electric power alone (or EV mode) up to 100 kilometres per hour.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes with an impressive list of standard comfort, convenience and style features, such as: remote air conditioning system with automatic temperature control, heated front seats, display audio with navigation and unique aluminum alloy wheels. An available Technology Package will further enhance the Prius Plug-in Hybrid with features such as radar cruise control and auto-leveling LED headlamps.  And the Prius Plug-in Hybrid benefits from Toyota's commitment to safety with an extensive suite of active and passive safety systems as standard, including the Star Safety System and seven airbags.

An honest, straightforward truck

What is it?
What we have here is a midsize truck with the work ethic of a full-sizer. Riding on the same platform of one of the world's toughest vehicles, the Hilux, Toyota's Tacoma is rugged, and can take whatever you can dish out. But unlike the half-ton trucks that top sales charts, the Tacoma is economical and easy to manoeuver. Given that gas prices are going nowhere but up, it's definitely worthy of a closer look.

What's new?
The Tacoma was just given a mild facelift, its second since 2004. Along with re-sculpted headlamps, it gets a new grille and bumpers, but still retains much of its same look. Climb into the interior and you'll see that the centre stack has been refreshed with a different stereo head providing inputs for your MP3 player, not to mention a new steering wheel and new door trims. Equipment levels have also been comprehensively bumped up. Whereas the Tacoma of old used to be a basic truck with few luxuries, some luxurious touches have now filtered down, such as heated leather seats, Bluetooth and a reverse camera (albeit one mounted in the rear-view mirror).

What's it like to drive?
From a mechanical standpoint, the Tacoma is unchanged, meaning that it still drives very much like a truck. Although the seating position is more car-like than any other small truck on the market (you sit with your legs well out in front, and the steering wheel adjusts for both reach and rake), the ride is stiffer and bouncier than most half-tons, no doubt helped by the off-road grade TRD suspension our tester had.

For all the jostling involved during your daily commute, this is a remarkably refined truck. It feels as tight as a drum with excellent fit and finish ? no squeaks, no rattles. The steering has a nice, direct feel, and the 4.0-litre V6 has a creaminess you'd never expect in a rough 'n tumble truck. Its 236 hp rating might seem meager, but on the road, it feels plenty quick.

This particular Tacoma is rated at 6,300 lbs., which, while a ways off of the 10,000 lbs. that half-tons can tow, is still enough to haul a pair of jet skis. But what you give up in outright muscle you gain back in fuel economy ? a week of strictly urban driving saw the Tacoma return 12.2 L/100 km. You won't see figures remotely close in any half-ton truck, short of the Silverado Hybrid.

Should you buy one?
For many customers, a truck is a tool, and it's all a matter of getting the right tool for the job. Why have a pneumatic nail gun when a hammer will easily to the trick? Bigger isn't always better.

If you're looking for a basic work truck, the base Tacoma certainly fits the bill. The base model's 2.7-litre four is easy on fuel, and all models come with air conditioning as standard. Provided you can shift stick, one can be yours for as little as $22,100. Admittedly, it doesn't have the towing or payload ratings of a Ram 1500 Tradesman, but you won't have the same hefty fuel bills either.

Toyota City, Japan, July 24, 2012 -- Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that in June its worldwide cumulative vehicle production surpassed 200 million units.

This milestone took 76 years and 11 months to reach, and began with production of the Model G1 truck in August 1935 at Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd.'s(1) Automotive Department, which was spun off and later became TMC. As of the end of June, cumulative production in Japan(2) totaled 145.21 million vehicles and overseas production totaled 55.12 million vehicles.

Toyota Motor Corporation Outperforms Industry in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study

(TORONTO, ON - June 20, 2012) Toyota and Lexus vehicles captured five segment awards and five Toyota manufacturing facilities in Japan and North America won plant awards, including one Gold, in the 2012 Initial Quality Study (IQS), more than any other automaker in both categories.

The study also found:

·        Toyota has fewer problems than the premium brands industry average;

·        15 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models ranked in the top three of the segments they compete in;

·        Corolla is the highest performing non-premium model, it also ranks fifth overall;

·        The all-new Prius v garnered second place in a closely contested segment; and

·        The redesigned Camry scores even better than last year's model

"We are very pleased with this year's Initial Quality Study honors", said Ray Tanguay, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Toyota Motor North America, Inc. "These accolades echo our enduring commitment to quality, value, and customer satisfaction."

2012 Initial Quality Study performers by segment

Segment	Ranking	Model	PP/100
Sub-Compact Car	1	Toyota Yaris (total)	79
Compact Car	1	Toyota Corolla	59
	2	Toyota Prius (total)	75
Compact Crossover SUV	2	Toyota RAV4	84
	3	Toyota FJ Cruiser	86
Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle	2	Prius v	100
	3	Scion xB	103
Compact Sporty Car	3	Scion tC	127
Entry Premium Car	1	Lexus ES350	69
Midsize Crossover SUV	3	Toyota Highlander (total)	86
Midsize Pickup	3	Tacoma	95
Midsize Van	3	Toyota Sienna	106
Midsize Premium Crossover SUV	1	Lexus RX (total)	67
Large Car	2	Toyota Avalon	87
Large Premium Car	1	Lexus LS (total)	50
Lexus	1		75
Toyota	8		88
Scion	26		117
Premium Brands Industry Average			91
Non-Premium Brands Industry Average			103
Industry Average			102

2012 Plant Awards

Region	Award	Assembly Line	Model(s)	PP/100
Americas	Gold	Cambridge South, Ontario (TMMC)*	Lexus RX350	24
	Bronze	Woodstock, Ontario (TMMC)*	Toyota RAV4	27
Asia	Silver	Kyushu 2, Japan (TMK)	Lexus ES, IS, RX	24
	Bronze (tie)	Fujimatsu, Japan (TABC)	Toyota Prius	28
	Bronze (tie)	Tsutsumi 2, Japan	Toyota Prius	28

* Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) has received more J.D. Power and Associates plant awards (11), including more gold awards (6), than any other North American plant in the industry.
 
Additional examples of Toyota's commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:

·        Eight Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many as the runner-up nameplate.

·        Lexus ranked highest in customer satisfaction among luxury brands and led the industry in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study for the fourth consecutive year.

·        17 Toyota, Lexus and Scion models were named 2012 "Top Safety Picks" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius c, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra (crew cab), Venza and Yaris (4-door hatchback); Scion tC, xB and xD; and Lexus CT 200h, GS and RX.

The 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Scion tC earned five stars for Overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating possible.

 

http://clubtoyota.miniidm.dgtlpub.com/

Click on the Club Toyota Link and get all the latest Toyota owner news and updates

(TORONTO, ON ? September 6, 2012) Plug in to Canada's most popular, most proven family of hybrids with the newest Prius that offers extended all-electric range: The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Available through Toyota dealerships across Canada at a suggested starting price of just $35,700 the Prius Plug-in offers the lowest starting MSRP of any plug-in hybrid in Canada.  What's more, every Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers an impressive suite of standard equipment from comfort, convenience and safety features, to advanced and intuitive technologies that are sure to delight any driver looking for a midsize passenger car.  Add to that applicable government incentives in certain provinces of up to $5,092, and the Prius plug-in delivers confidence and value that is second to none.

"Canadians continue to embrace Toyota hybrids in record numbers, confident that Toyota's experience ? dating back to the sale of the first Prius in 2000 ? has created the world's most versatile and innovative lineup of low emissions, high efficiency, advanced technology vehicles," said Tony Wearing, Senior Managing Director at Toyota Canada Inc. "Now, we welcome our first plug-in vehicle ? and sixth hybrid ? to the Toyota brand. The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid not only offers the lowest starting MSRP of any plug-in hybrid in Canada, it delivers plenty of room for people and cargo, the fastest recharging time of any plug-in vehicle on the market today, impressive fuel efficiency and electric-only range, plus the confidence of Toyota's proven full-hybrid system that can take Canadians wherever they want to go."

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid inspires confidence like no other plug-in. That's because the Prius Plug-in and its third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive technology ? already proven in more than four million vehicles around the globe ? was extensively tested in Canada, undergoing more than two years of real-world field trials as part of a global testing program. Feedback from these trials helped Toyota engineers optimize the Prius Plug-in's driving and ownership experience.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid features room for five adults and up to 446 litres of luggage space. With a powerful but lightweight lithium-ion battery pack, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is ready to go with a full charge in as little as 90 minutes when connected to a 220v dedicated socket or 3 hours when connected to a 110v dedicated 15 amp socket ? and automatically switches to its full hybrid gasoline-electric system once the electric power is depleted so there's never any worry about arriving at your destination.

Getting there was never so affordable, either, thanks to impressive efficiency of just 2.0 L_e / 100 KM^? (city/highway combined) when taking advantage of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid's Electric Vehicle (EV) capabilities. And the Prius Plug-in Hybrid's Electric Vehicle range ? up to 25 KM in city driving ? means typical Canadian commuter ranges can be made without using a drop of gas.  The Prius Plug-in is also capable of driving on electric power alone (or EV mode) up to 100 kilometres per hour.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes with an impressive list of standard comfort, convenience and style features, such as: remote air conditioning system with automatic temperature control, heated front seats, display audio with navigation and unique aluminum alloy wheels. An available Technology Package will further enhance the Prius Plug-in Hybrid with features such as radar cruise control and auto-leveling LED headlamps.  And the Prius Plug-in Hybrid benefits from Toyota's commitment to safety with an extensive suite of active and passive safety systems as standard, including the Star Safety System and seven airbags.

An honest, straightforward truck

What is it?
What we have here is a midsize truck with the work ethic of a full-sizer. Riding on the same platform of one of the world's toughest vehicles, the Hilux, Toyota's Tacoma is rugged, and can take whatever you can dish out. But unlike the half-ton trucks that top sales charts, the Tacoma is economical and easy to manoeuver. Given that gas prices are going nowhere but up, it's definitely worthy of a closer look.

What's new?
The Tacoma was just given a mild facelift, its second since 2004. Along with re-sculpted headlamps, it gets a new grille and bumpers, but still retains much of its same look. Climb into the interior and you'll see that the centre stack has been refreshed with a different stereo head providing inputs for your MP3 player, not to mention a new steering wheel and new door trims. Equipment levels have also been comprehensively bumped up. Whereas the Tacoma of old used to be a basic truck with few luxuries, some luxurious touches have now filtered down, such as heated leather seats, Bluetooth and a reverse camera (albeit one mounted in the rear-view mirror).

What's it like to drive?
From a mechanical standpoint, the Tacoma is unchanged, meaning that it still drives very much like a truck. Although the seating position is more car-like than any other small truck on the market (you sit with your legs well out in front, and the steering wheel adjusts for both reach and rake), the ride is stiffer and bouncier than most half-tons, no doubt helped by the off-road grade TRD suspension our tester had.

For all the jostling involved during your daily commute, this is a remarkably refined truck. It feels as tight as a drum with excellent fit and finish ? no squeaks, no rattles. The steering has a nice, direct feel, and the 4.0-litre V6 has a creaminess you'd never expect in a rough 'n tumble truck. Its 236 hp rating might seem meager, but on the road, it feels plenty quick.

This particular Tacoma is rated at 6,300 lbs., which, while a ways off of the 10,000 lbs. that half-tons can tow, is still enough to haul a pair of jet skis. But what you give up in outright muscle you gain back in fuel economy ? a week of strictly urban driving saw the Tacoma return 12.2 L/100 km. You won't see figures remotely close in any half-ton truck, short of the Silverado Hybrid.

Should you buy one?
For many customers, a truck is a tool, and it's all a matter of getting the right tool for the job. Why have a pneumatic nail gun when a hammer will easily to the trick? Bigger isn't always better.

If you're looking for a basic work truck, the base Tacoma certainly fits the bill. The base model's 2.7-litre four is easy on fuel, and all models come with air conditioning as standard. Provided you can shift stick, one can be yours for as little as $22,100. Admittedly, it doesn't have the towing or payload ratings of a Ram 1500 Tradesman, but you won't have the same hefty fuel bills either.

Toyota City, Japan, July 24, 2012 -- Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that in June its worldwide cumulative vehicle production surpassed 200 million units.

This milestone took 76 years and 11 months to reach, and began with production of the Model G1 truck in August 1935 at Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd.'s(1) Automotive Department, which was spun off and later became TMC. As of the end of June, cumulative production in Japan(2) totaled 145.21 million vehicles and overseas production totaled 55.12 million vehicles.

Toyota Motor Corporation Outperforms Industry in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study

(TORONTO, ON - June 20, 2012) Toyota and Lexus vehicles captured five segment awards and five Toyota manufacturing facilities in Japan and North America won plant awards, including one Gold, in the 2012 Initial Quality Study (IQS), more than any other automaker in both categories.

The study also found:

·        Toyota has fewer problems than the premium brands industry average;

·        15 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models ranked in the top three of the segments they compete in;

·        Corolla is the highest performing non-premium model, it also ranks fifth overall;

·        The all-new Prius v garnered second place in a closely contested segment; and

·        The redesigned Camry scores even better than last year's model

"We are very pleased with this year's Initial Quality Study honors", said Ray Tanguay, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Toyota Motor North America, Inc. "These accolades echo our enduring commitment to quality, value, and customer satisfaction."

2012 Initial Quality Study performers by segment

Segment	Ranking	Model	PP/100
Sub-Compact Car	1	Toyota Yaris (total)	79
Compact Car	1	Toyota Corolla	59
	2	Toyota Prius (total)	75
Compact Crossover SUV	2	Toyota RAV4	84
	3	Toyota FJ Cruiser	86
Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle	2	Prius v	100
	3	Scion xB	103
Compact Sporty Car	3	Scion tC	127
Entry Premium Car	1	Lexus ES350	69
Midsize Crossover SUV	3	Toyota Highlander (total)	86
Midsize Pickup	3	Tacoma	95
Midsize Van	3	Toyota Sienna	106
Midsize Premium Crossover SUV	1	Lexus RX (total)	67
Large Car	2	Toyota Avalon	87
Large Premium Car	1	Lexus LS (total)	50
Lexus	1		75
Toyota	8		88
Scion	26		117
Premium Brands Industry Average			91
Non-Premium Brands Industry Average			103
Industry Average			102

2012 Plant Awards

Region	Award	Assembly Line	Model(s)	PP/100
Americas	Gold	Cambridge South, Ontario (TMMC)*	Lexus RX350	24
	Bronze	Woodstock, Ontario (TMMC)*	Toyota RAV4	27
Asia	Silver	Kyushu 2, Japan (TMK)	Lexus ES, IS, RX	24
	Bronze (tie)	Fujimatsu, Japan (TABC)	Toyota Prius	28
	Bronze (tie)	Tsutsumi 2, Japan	Toyota Prius	28

* Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) has received more J.D. Power and Associates plant awards (11), including more gold awards (6), than any other North American plant in the industry.
 
Additional examples of Toyota's commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:

·        Eight Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many as the runner-up nameplate.

·        Lexus ranked highest in customer satisfaction among luxury brands and led the industry in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study for the fourth consecutive year.

·        17 Toyota, Lexus and Scion models were named 2012 "Top Safety Picks" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius c, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra (crew cab), Venza and Yaris (4-door hatchback); Scion tC, xB and xD; and Lexus CT 200h, GS and RX.

The 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Scion tC earned five stars for Overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating possible.

 

http://clubtoyota.miniidm.dgtlpub.com/

Click on the Club Toyota Link and get all the latest Toyota owner news and updates